Amid growing concerns over substance abuse, J&K Health Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the legislative assembly on Thursday that a dedicated bill to curb drug misuse will be tabled in the ongoing winter session.
The minister confirmed that de-addiction regulations are finalized and dispatched to the law department. She highlighted the scale of the problem, citing 49,276 registered cases since 2022—32,517 in Jammu region and 16,759 in Kashmir valley.
Recalling NC leader Tanvir Sadiq’s earlier private bill on school-based drug education, which was withdrawn on government pledges, Itoo reaffirmed the administration’s resolve. ‘The bill is prepared for this session,’ she stated firmly.
National statistics amplify the urgency. Central government figures indicate nearly 1 million J&K residents battle addiction, equating to 8% of the population. A 2023 parliamentary standing committee estimated 1.35 million users aged 18-75.
This legislative effort promises stricter norms, enhanced rehab measures, and preventive education. With drug inflows from across borders fueling the epidemic, the bill’s passage could fortify J&K’s defenses. Lawmakers and activists alike await its provisions, eyeing a drug-free future.